Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the window or door handles don't meet up correctly or are difficult to use.
It is crucial that the double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off inside a lock, it can be extremely frustrating. It also poses an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a couple of quick fixes you can try to resolve the issue and make your door work again.
Be sure to remain calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
Next spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck that might be blocking the way. If you have a part of the key still sticking out then grab it using a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you don't have any of them available, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create hooks. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grip and pull out the remaining part of the broken key.
If you can't get the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It's usually found in most hardware stores. It works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock.
If none of these methods seem to be helping, it might be time to call in a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems such as broken handles or broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are more easy to operate. Book a double glazing repair through us online or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses a serious security threat. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. A locksmith must tap the cylinder in order to fix it. This can be accomplished with a hammer, or any other tool. However, the best method is to use a wire or a long match. Then, place the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock in order to crack it. This is far better than using a heavy hammer that can cause damage to the lock.
The most frequent cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, like cast iron and aluminium. When different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it may create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Corrosion can be a reason for cracks in the cylinder. If the cylinder head as well as cylinder block are not maintained properly, this could result in corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at a more than they should. This can lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this could be due to a number of things. This can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment or a worn-out handle.
Fortunately it is a simple and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at your home. Based on your requirements they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that provide an additional layer of protection from burglars. This is a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks can break. They have complex mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours breaks it's difficult to determine the source of the problem and make sure that you repair it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, whether it's an internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It is costly to replace or repair your handle incorrectly and it could also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window in the open position, loosen the screw that secures the handle using the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside face of the back plate, normally hidden by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. You should not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle such as the levers and plates on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is easier to replace if necessary.
Then, with a second screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle on the back. Once the screw is loose, you can remove the handle and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, ensuring it is the same length as the previous one (you can typically find these online or in hardware stores) and securely screw it into place. Do not tighten the screw too much as this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is fitted, then close and test the handle. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able unlock your window.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly while you're working with the handle. If they don't close correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts inside your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges on the frames of your windows to ensure that they shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle in the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is especially frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a centre rod that in turn activates cams that look like mushrooms, they lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle is broken, this can be a frustrating problem.
Luckily, there are ways to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the issue. A good locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool that removes the wheel portion in which the spindle is. This can be done with no damage to the handle or window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician can examine the spindle and determine the cause of the break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and meticulously noting their general condition, as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is usually carried out by technicians working in a clean environment.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any debris or dirt that could be hindering it from functioning normally. Following this, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, he can use a dowel that is the same size to the original. The technician will then drill matching holes into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it could need to be replaced entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if your window style is rare, you will need to contact an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can replicate the exact piece. After the spindle is installed, it is connected to the handle. The screw holes on the handle with the existing screws in the frame. Once the new handle is seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.